A respirator, or air-filtering face piece, is specifically designed to filter out hazards that may enter the body through the nose and mouth when a person breathes. Use of respirators is strictly regulated in California. To comply with regulations, UC San Diego has a Respiratory Protection Program in place.
A respirator may at times be required to protect the health of employees when the work environment is contaminated with materials that are hazardous to breathe. At UC San Diego, this may include:
- Employees who enter confined spaces
- Paint sprayers
- Pesticide and fertilizer applicators
- Hazardous materials handlers
- Some researchers
- Asbestors abatement employees
- Some art studio employees
- Employees whose exposure level is at or above the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of the contaminant
Employees who need a respirator must first receive certification through the Respiratory Protection Program administered by Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S). The program ensures employees who use respirators understand their capabilities and limitations.
Employees requiring respiratory protection are first medically approved by UCSD Occupational & Environmental Medicine, and then trained and fit-tested by EH&S to receive a respirator. Face pieces and filters are issued specifically for the type of materials or atmosphere the employee may encounter and must be individually fitted to the user.
If you need a respirator, see How to Get a Respirator.
For more information, refer to the UC San Diego Respiratory Protection Program Manual. (PDF) (Word file)
Questions about UC San Diego's Respiratory Protection Program?
Contact the EH&S Industrial Hygiene Division, (858) 534-1075.
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